Big Brothers Big Sisters, Veteran’s Best Friend

MEDINA — Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and Veteran’s Best Friend (VBF) are joining together to present the fourth annual Charity Poker Run “Ride a Hog, Save a Dog” Aug. 24. The Poker Run will begin and end at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5137, located at 3916 Pearl Road, and will benefit the BBBS and VBF. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the first bike out at 10:30 a.m. The last bike is scheduled to depart at noon. The 90-mile ride covers three counties and includes Rubber City Harley-Davidson in Cuyahoga Falls, Canal Boat Lounge in Canal Fulton and Roadside Inn in Medina. Tickets are available online at the pre-event price of $25 per rider or $40 per couple. Tickets on the day of the event will be $30 and $45, respectively. All tickets include lunch, dinner and entertainment. The Roadhouse Band will play at the Medina VFW from 6 to 11 p.m. Participants also can enjoy a bonfire, horseshoes and corn hole at the end of the ride. Bikes and cars are invited to participate. For those who would like to support the event without the drive, a party bus is available. Advance tickets for the bus are $40 per person and $45 on the day of the event. Seating is limited, and advance purchase is encouraged. To preregister or for more information about the event, visit www.rideahogsaveadog.com.

Northern Ohio Vincina ALS Protocol Project

SOUTH AKRON — The Northern Ohio Vincina ALS Protocol Project will have a fundraiser lunch Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. at Guy’s Party Center, 500 E. Waterloo Road. Stow resident Michael Helfinstine founded the organization after his wife, Vincina, died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. The organization is seeking to collaborate with scientists, government officials and medical experts to try to pinpoint the possible environmental hazards that could be linked to the onset of ALS, according to event officials. Specifically, Helfinstine is trying to connect the dumping of illegal materials and chemicals and how it could affect the water supplies of certain areas. Helfinstine also is trying to track outbreaks of ALS within certain communities to find if there is evidence of uncommon outbreaks of ALS, according to event organizers. At the event, Helfinstine will detail the progress the Vincina Protocol has made and how it could affect Summit County residents. Tickets for the event are $15. For a reservation, call Anne at 330-907-3032 or Linda at 330-813-0531 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Seating is limited.

Zane’s Foundation

CUYAHOGA FALLS — Zane’s Foundation, along with Cuyahoga Falls City Schools, will present the fifth annual Special Needs Awareness Walk and Fun Day Sept. 13 at Bolich Middle School’s Laybourne Field, 2630 13th St. The walk will begin at 9 a.m., with check-in at 8 a.m. Fun Day events will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include vendors, games, raffle baskets, food, inflatables, a hands-on activity tent and more. Entertainment will be provided by the Hoban High School Dance Team. The Zane Foundation provides services to children and adults with special needs who live in Northeast Ohio. Sponsor-endorsed shirts start at $10. The last day to order a shirt is Aug. 31. Goodie bags are being filled with free items and coupons from sponsors for the participants of the walk. For more information or a pledge walk form, email info@zanesfoundation.org or call 330-677-9263.